peace education

[Hibou]

I've been poking around online for some ideas regarding peace education in the home. This is for young kids, so I'm not looking for topics dealing with war, world issues, etc, but more for peaceful problem solving, getting along with eachother, that sort of thing. While I think that the best lesson is to model it as a parent, and we certainly try through AP, it would be nice to have something a little more "formal" to illustrate the importance of it. Any ideas for books/activities/websites?

I found one book on anger management and peaceful problem solving from the library that was really good, so if anyone's interested I could share some of the activities from there.

[Girl Named Sandoz]

Great question.

I'm subscribing as I'm interested in hearing ideas too.

One thing we do, which my son enjoys, is simple breathing meditation. It's very informal at this stage and we do it in a light-hearted way that is fun for ds. I certainly don't expect him to sit cross-legged and concentrate for any length of time.

We breathe in together and say 'breathe', then breathe out and say 'smile'. At this point ds will give me a huge grin.

Sometimes when I get overexcited or agitated about something, ds will look at me, smile and say 'breathe, mama'.

There is a lovely book called 'Each breath a smile' by Thich Nhat Hanh.

[UlrikeDG]

I'm not sure if this is exactly what you mean, but...

Elizabeth Crary has a series of books on problem solving with children. They are "chose your own adventure" style, with the child picking which solution they want to try from a list, then you read what happens next. Titles include:
I Can't Wait
I Want to Play
I Want It

I don't like all her books for adults, but her children's books have been really good. We have some of her Children's Problem Solving series and her Dealing With Feelings series.

[luv my 2 sweeties]

Here's an article I found that relates what we do (or try to do -- it takes patience and time) when serious conflict arises between our children. I learned this from our kids' preschool, which uses this model. The article is geared toward class situations, but it works with siblings too. I do find that my kids are sometimes more stubborn with their sibling than they are with their peers though. Nevertheless, we are seeing good results. The kids still have conflicts but they are becoming increasingly skilled at working to solve them. The preschool teacher said that ds (3) is very skilled at conflict resolution for his age. (And he's a bit of a hot-head by nature!) She correctly suspected that we were working on it at home.

http://ianrpubs.unl.edu/family/nf628.htm

This article is shorter than one that I have by the same author from a 1989 magazine. You may be able to find more information by checking the links on the page or Googling her name.

I do want to point out that we often let minor conflicts take their course and let the kids work it out themselves. This allows the children practice the skills they have learned and/or see how things go when they don't use those skills. Sometimes I simply don't have the time to mediate a dispute. In those cases I tell them that I cannot help them right away and they will have to work it out. If they continue to fight, I may impose a solution (usually one neither of them likes, such as removing the object of contention.) This is an inferior way to deal with their conflict in my view, because it does not teach them anything. But sometimes you've gotta take short cuts to save your sanity. I know they *are* learning from all the times we do help them negotiate.

[Bufomander]

:

[Charles Baudelaire]

As you probably know, peace is one of the central testimonies of the Quakers. This link, to Quakerbooks is really helpful. They'll send you a catalog of books, including kids' books they sell. Their descriptions are great and you can either order them or check them out from the local library. For example, if you're looking for a book on peace for your kids or a book that brings up the theme of peace and need a great book to read, this catalog is a wonderful resource to find specific titles and authors. Hope this helps.

Originally Posted by Hibou

I've been poking around online for some ideas regarding peace education in the home. This is for young kids, so I'm not looking for topics dealing with war, world issues, etc, but more for peaceful problem solving, getting along with eachother, that sort of thing. While I think that the best lesson is to model it as a parent, and we certainly try through AP, it would be nice to have something a little more "formal" to illustrate the importance of it. Any ideas for books/activities/websites?

I found one book on anger management and peaceful problem solving from the library that was really good, so if anyone's interested I could share some of the activities from there.

[simple living mama]

Yes! Non Violent Communication. They have a web site and some pretty good books. Here's the site. http://www.cnvc.org/

Here is their mission:

cnvc, the organization
an international nonprofit training & peacemaking organization

vision/mission/aim

Nonviolent Communication (NVC) helps us stay connected with what is alive in ourselves and others moment-to-moment, and enhances our ability to make life more wonderful for ourselves and others.

Vision: The Center for Nonviolent Communication (CNVC) is a global organization whose vision is a world where all people are getting their needs met and resolving their conflicts peacefully. In this vision, people are using Nonviolent Communication (NVC) to create and participate in networks of worldwide life-serving systems in economics, education, justice, healthcare, and peace-keeping.

Mission: Our mission is to contribute to this vision by facilitating the creation of life-serving systems within ourselves, interpersonally, and within organizations. We do this by living and teaching Nonviolent Communication.

Aim: CNVC's aim is to provide ideas, experience, and support for the living of Nonviolent Communication in community. This is accomplished by providing Nonviolent Communication training, materials, organizational consulting, and projects that develop harmonious and effective relationships.

[UlrikeDG]

I almost forgot! For problem solving, check out Siblings Without Rivalry by Faber & Mazlish.

[raleigh_mom]

Just wanted to recommend a kids' book - "The Peace Book" by Todd Parr. It's a very simple book, but for us it leads to good discussions. I love his books.

[Hibou]

I've been checking out some of these links that you guys have been posting. Good stuff!
:

[Bufomander]

just wanted to second the loving of todd parr books.

[wonderactivist]

A Few More

Hi,

Here are a few more ideas:

There's a Volcano in my Tummy Which I've used with my own kids.
(I always wondered when someone would use that smilie)

All Together Now Really great integrated ideas that they don't even realize you're doing.

Plus an attitude of reverence and peaceful rhythm in the home.

Thanks for the ideas you all have shared, I've enjoyed one and plan to peruse the rest this afternoon.

Warm regards,

Lucie
off to work on a friend's rammed-earth home with the kids